First overnighter, tips for next time?

Hi all,

Just came back from my first overnight trip. I did a 150km round tour on the Dutch national parc Utrechtse Heuvelrug. I’ve got an awesome time and enjoyed it very much. The route supposedly should be a gravel route, but it did take my a lot over tarmac or biking lanes, that was a bummer. But I’m hungry for more, so maybe you’ll have some tips to upgrade the kit.

I mounted the rear rack from mine standard commuting bike on mine trusty Merida Big Nine. And used some old front loader bags which I purchased a long time ago second hand. I put my tent atop of the rack. In the handle bar bag I was able to store my spare clothes.

It did work out for this trip, but the main issue was the waterproofnes of the bags. As they are not waterproof. I used some packliners. But overnight it rained a lot and it was difficult to keep everything dry.

I’m looking for some tips to improve my setup on a budget. I cannot afford a different bike. So I need to work around this one. I’m looking for some extra comfort on the bike as it is a bit racy at the moment. And some suggestions on the best way to pick a setup with the bags. I would like to upgrade it one piece at the time.

by ruud-1996